Biliran Volcano

Biliran is an solfataric active volcano located in the island province of Biliran in the Philippines. The volcano caused the formation of the island. 12.3 km west of Caibiran town  (11°39’N, 124°32.1’E)

Geological features

• Rock Type: Hornblende andesite containing greenish and black hornblende
• Tectonic Setting: Biliran Volcano is part of the curvilinear belt of Quaternary volcanoes in eastern Philippines, parallel to Phil. Trench to the east

Volcanic activity

• Number of Historical Eruptions: 1
• Latest Eruption/Activity: September 26, 1939
• Site: crater
• Eruption Character: Debris avalanche
• Affected Areas/Remarks: Ashfall at Caibiran and adjoining areas (6.35 cm thick deposits)
• Monitoring activity: Short-term monitoring in 1954

Physical features

• Hotsprings:
  1. Central Biliran – Libtong Thermal Areas (12 hot springs and one bubbling pool)
  2. North Biliran – Panamao Thermal Area
  3. Anas Thermal Area
  4. South Biliran – Kalambis Thermal Area
• Adjacent Volcanic Edifice:
  1. Panamao (107 m asl)
  2. Gumansan (1064 m asl)
  3. Lauan (1187 m asl)
  4. Suiro (1301 m asl)

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY

Number of Historical Eruptions:  1
Date:  1939 Sept. 26
Site:  crater
Eruption Character:  Debris avalanche (?)

Affected Areas: Ashfall at Caibiran and adjoining areas (6.35 cm thick deposits)

MONITORING ACTIVITY

An investigation was conducted by then Commission on Volcanology (now PHIVOLCS) on November 12, 1954 at Mt. Biliran to confirm reports published in local newspapers that the volcano was showing signs of volcanic activity.  Local earthquakes accompanied by rumbling sounds were reportedly felt at places near the volcano.  Furthermore, thick steam clouds rising from the volcano and drying up of vegetation at the upper slopes were reportedly observed by boat passengers and fishermen.  Data gathered, however, by the investigating team showed that no unusual volcanic activity took place.

The Philippines has a total of 23 active volcanoes, including one in Biliran.

Source: Philvolcs